Security Guard in College Station, TX

The Salary Picture: Where College Station Stands

As a local, I can tell you that security work in College Station is steady but modestly compensated. You won't get rich, but the low cost of living makes the paycheck stretch further than in bigger cities. The data reflects this reality: the median salary for Security Guards in College Station is $35,131/year, which breaks down to $16.89/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $36,140/year, but considering College Station's cost of living, it feels more balanced than the numbers suggest.

To understand where you fit, here’s a realistic breakdown of experience levels and what you can expect to earn. These are local averages, not glamorized figures.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Est.)	Hourly Rate (Est.)	Notes for College Station
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $31,000	$13.50 - $14.90	Most common starting point. Often hired for event security or basic patrol.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $37,000	$16.35 - $17.79	Where the median $35,131 sits. Often leads to shift lead or specialized site roles.
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,000 - $44,000	$18.27 - $21.15	Typically requires certifications (CPR/First Aid, armed) or supervisory experience.
Expert/Supervisor (10+ years)	$45,000+	$21.63+	Site managers or training coordinators for large firms. Limited roles in this market.

How does College Station compare to other Texas cities?
It’s squarely in the middle for security guard wages. You’ll earn less than in Dallas or Houston ($39,000+), but significantly more than in smaller, rural Texas towns. The trade-off is the job market size: the metro area has approximately 250 security guard positions, a tight but stable pool. The 10-year job growth is a modest 3%, keeping pace with the national trend but not exploding. This isn't a career for high-growth seekers; it's for those who value stability and a low-stress environment.

Insider Tip: The $16.89/hour median is a floor, not a ceiling. Armed security, especially for banks or high-value transport, can command $20-$24/hour. In my experience, getting your armed guard license (more on that later) is the single biggest salary boost you can give yourself in this market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The "real" salary is what you have left after the essentials. Let's ground the $35,131 annual figure in the reality of living in College Station.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Security Guard Earning the Median:

• Gross Monthly Income: $2,928 ($35,131 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$525 (approx. 18% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$2,403
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,015 (per user data)
• Remaining After Rent: ~$1,388

This $1,388 has to cover utilities (avg. $150/month), groceries ($300/month), transportation (car payment/gas/insurance is a must here), insurance, and discretionary spending. It’s tight but manageable, especially if you share a 2BR apartment.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Realistically, on a single median security guard income of $35,131, buying a home in College Station is a major stretch. The median home price here hovers around $320,000. With a 20% down payment ($64,000) and a 30-year mortgage at current rates, your monthly housing payment alone would exceed $1,800, which is over 60% of your gross monthly income. This is well above the recommended 30% threshold. Homeownership would likely require a dual-income household, significant savings for a larger down payment, or a move further into the suburbs (like Bryan or Caldwell) where prices are lower.

Insider Tip: Many local security companies offer a small monthly stipend for uniforms or safety gear, which can save you $50-$100/month. Always ask about this during interviews. Also, some larger employers (like the university) have excellent, low-cost health insurance, which can be a hidden financial benefit.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The security field in College Station isn't known for explosive advancement, but there are clear paths to increase your earnings and responsibilities.

Specialty Premiums (Your Salary Boosters):

• Armed Guard License: The biggest pay bump. Expect a $2-$5/hour increase. Required for roles at banks, federal buildings, and some private events.
• CPR/First Aid/AED Certification: Often required for senior roles. Low cost ($75-$150 for training), but essential for promotions.
• Electronic Security/Access Control: Learning systems like Brivo or Lenel can make you valuable for corporate clients. On-the-job training is common.
• Event Security Lead: Managing teams at Kyle Field (Texas A&M) or local festivals. Pay can reach $20-$25/hour for these temporary, high-responsibility roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Guard → Shift Supervisor: You'll manage a small team, handle reports, and act as the first point of contact for issues. This typically comes with a 10-15% pay increase.
2. Shift Supervisor → Site Manager: Overseeing all security operations for a single site (e.g., a large apartment complex, a hospital wing). This is a salaried role, often in the $45,000 - $55,000 range.
3. Specialist → Corporate Trainer: Some larger firms hire experienced guards to train new hires on policies, de-escalation, and local laws. This is a niche but stable role.

The 10-Year Outlook:
The 3% job growth means the field is stable but not expanding rapidly. Your best bet for growth is to specialize. The rise in digital security (cameras, access control) means guards who are tech-savvy will have an edge. The aging population also increases demand for guard services at retirement communities and healthcare facilities. In College Station, this points to steady work with Texas A&M, CHI St. Joseph Health, and the expanding senior living sector.

Insider Tip: The real advancement often happens by changing employers. A guard who starts at a small local company and moves to a contract firm servicing the university or a large hospital will almost always see a pay increase. Networking with other guards at the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce events can reveal these opportunities.

Where the Jobs Are: College Station's Major Employers

The 250 jobs in the metro are concentrated with a few key players. Here’s who’s hiring, based on the local landscape:

1. Texas A&M University: The largest single employer. They hire through their own Texas A&M University Police Department (civilian security) and via contracted firms for event security, dorm patrols, and facility monitoring. They have a massive need during football season and major campus events. Pay is competitive, often above the local median, and benefits are excellent.
2. CHI St. Joseph Health: The primary hospital system. Requires guards for ER access control, patient watch, and parking lots. They value de-escalation training and often prefer candidates with healthcare experience. Hiring is steady due to the 24/7 nature of hospitals.
3. Bryan-College Station Independent School District (BCSISD): School resource officers and campus security. This is a M-F, daytime job with summers off (though some summer programs exist). Requires a clean background and often a non-negotiable requirement to have a good rapport with kids.
4. Large Retail & Commercial Centers: Think Tanger Outlets, Post Oak Mall, and the commercial corridors along Harvey Road and Wellborn Road. Contract companies like Securitas or Allied Universal service these locations. Shifts are often overnight or weekend-heavy.
5. Apartment Complexes & Property Management: The booming student and family housing market (e.g., complexes in Southside or Wellborn) hires its own security or uses small local firms. These jobs are less formal but often offer rent discounts.
6. Event Venues: The Starplex (for concerts), The George (music venue), and the Brazos County Expo hire security for specific events. This is gig work, perfect for supplementing a full-time job.
7. Corporate Campuses: Companies like Texas Instruments (in nearby Richardson, but some local contracts exist) and Navasota-based manufacturers have security needs for their local facilities.

Hiring Trends: There’s a growing preference for guards who are certified in de-escalation techniques. The era of just "standing there" is over. Companies want guards who can professionally handle conflicts, especially in healthcare and retail settings. Getting a non-violent crisis intervention certificate gives you a distinct advantage.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas doesn’t require a state license for unarmed security guards. You must be employed by a licensed security company, and they will handle the state paperwork. However, there are mandatory steps and costs.

1. Get Hired First: A company must sponsor you. You'll fill out an application and consent to a background check (which you pay for, typically $25-$50).
2. Complete the TCLEOSE Training (if applicable): For armed guards, you must complete a 4-6 hour course from a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certified instructor. This includes firearm safety and legal use of force. Course cost: $75 - $150.
3. Fingerprinting: The company will arrange this at a local location. Cost: $25 - $40.
4. Submit Application to DPS: The company submits your paperwork to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Unarmed guard card processing takes 2-4 weeks. Armed guard license can take 6-8 weeks. The state fee is $44 (unarmed) or $54 (armed).
5. On-the-Job Training: Once licensed, the employer provides site-specific training. This is typically unpaid for a few hours.

Timeline to Get Started: If you already have a clean background and are applying for an unarmed position, you can be working (with a temporary permit) within 2-3 weeks. Adding an armed license adds 2-3 months to the process.

Insider Tip: The cost of the initial training can be a barrier. Some larger companies (like Allied Universal) will reimburse you for the training fee after you’ve been employed for 90 days. Always ask about this reimbursement policy.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Your neighborhood choice affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle. In College Station, a car is essential for most security jobs, as shifts often start early or end late when public transit is sparse.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Pros for Security Guards	Cons
Southside	Quiet, family-oriented, close to College Station High School and A&M's south campus. 10-15 min drive to most jobs.	$950 - $1,100	Affordable, safe, easy highway access. Great for day-shift guards.	Fewer amenities; can feel isolated from the main entertainment hubs.
Wellborn (North)	Rural, spacious, with a mix of apartments and single-family homes. 15-20 min to A&M, 10 min to Bryan.	$900 - $1,050	Very low traffic, lower rents. Good for those who want space and quiet.	Limited dining/shopping; requires a car for everything.
Midtown/Downtown Bryan	Historic, walkable, with a growing arts and food scene. 10-15 min to most College Station jobs.	$1,100 - $1,300	More character, better transit options, central to both cities.	Older housing stock, higher rents, parking can be an issue.
Texas A&M Campus Area	High-energy, student-heavy. Walking distance to many on-campus jobs.	$1,000 - $1,400	Ultimate convenience for university work. No car needed for some jobs.	Noisy, transient neighbors, parking is expensive and scarce.
East College Station	Newer development, master-planned communities. 10-15 min to most jobs.	$1,150 - $1,300	Modern apartments, great amenities, very safe.	Higher rents, less "local" character, longer drives to downtown Bryan.

Insider Tip: For the best value, look at the older apartment complexes in Southside or the Northgate area (just north of campus). They are often cheaper, have more landlord-occupied units (meaning better maintenance), and are still within a 15-minute drive of any major employer.

The Verdict: Is College Station Right for You?

Making the move for a security guard career is a calculated decision. Here’s a straightforward assessment.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $35,131 salary goes much further here than in Houston or Austin.	Limited High-Paying Jobs: The $45,000+ roles are scarce and competitive.
Stable Job Market: The 250 jobs and 3% growth indicate steady demand from core employers.	Modest Growth: Career advancement is slow; you must actively seek it.
Quality of Life: Safe, clean, and a college-town atmosphere with big-city amenities nearby.	Car-Dependent: Public transport is limited; a reliable car is a necessity.
Diverse Employer Base: From universities to healthcare, you're not tied to one industry.	Pay is Below National Average: Though offset by living costs, it’s not a high-wage field.
Good for Specialization: Opportunities to get armed or tech certifications to boost earnings.	Can Be Monotonous: Some posts (e.g., overnight patrol) are repetitive.

Final Recommendation: College Station is an excellent choice for security guards who prioritize stability and quality of life over high earnings. If you're a single person or part of a dual-income household, you can live comfortably on the median wage. It's ideal for those considering a long-term career in security, willing to specialize (armed, healthcare, event) to climb the ladder. However, if you're looking for rapid salary growth or a bustling, anonymous big-city feel, you may find the pace and pay scale limiting.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to work as a security guard in College Station?
A: Yes, overwhelmingly so. While some on-campus jobs are walkable, most shifts for hospitals, retail, and commercial sites require a reliable vehicle to get to work, especially for overnight or early morning shifts when transit isn't running.

Q: Is the job market for security guards competitive?
A: With only 250 jobs in the metro, it's not hyper-competitive, but it's not a massive pool either. Having a clean background and a professional attitude is key. Being willing to work undesirable shifts (overnights, weekends) will make you much more hirable.

Q: Can I make a living wage as a security guard here?
A: It depends on your definition. The $35,131 median is below a typical "living wage" for a family, but for a single person, it's manageable due to the low cost of living (index of 90.7). With overtime or a partner's income, it's a solid base for a household.

Q: Are there union jobs for security guards in College Station?
A: It’s rare. Most security work here is non-union. The exception might be some roles within the Texas A&M University System, which have state employee benefits, but they are not unionized in the traditional sense.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new security guards make in College Station?
A: Skipping the armed guard certification. The pay difference is significant, and the local market—especially for banks, federal contracts, and event security—actively seeks armed personnel. It’s a small investment for a major career upgrade.